Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation making New York a sanctuary state for “transgender” children and their families ahead of her appearance at Saturday’s Pride March.
The legislation prohibits New York authorities from cooperating with other states’ investigations into families who are obtaining sex change drugs, hormones, or surgeries for minors.
Additionally, the bill amends existing family court law to say that children will not be separated from parents who bring them to the state for sex change prescriptions or surgeries.
“A law of another state that authorizes a child to be removed from their parent or guardian based on the parent or guardian allowing their child to receive gender-affirming care shall not be enforced or applied in a case pending in a court in this state,” the legislation states. “No court in this state shall admit or consider a finding of abuse based on the parent or guardian allowing their child to receive or seek gender-affirming care as evidence in any proceeding with respect to that parent or guardian and any of their children, unless such conduct would constitute abuse under the laws of this state if it occurred in this state.”
“A police officer may not arrest any person for performing or aiding in the performance of gender-affirming care within this state, or in procuring or aiding in the procurement of gender-affirming care in this state, if the gender-affirming care is performed in accordance with the provisions of any other applicable law of this state,” the bill reads.
A million spectators turn out to see New York City’s Pride Parade. Participants include Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Chuck Schumer, and Attorney General Letitia James. pic.twitter.com/5WIKCfVxsI
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) June 25, 2023
During the New York City Pride Parade that the governor attended, Timcast News reporter Elad Eliahu filmed activists chanting, “we’re here, we’re queer, we’re coming for your children.”
NYC Drag Marchers chant “we’re here, we’re queer, we’re coming for your children” https://t.co/ucK1qM4fv5 pic.twitter.com/OhBguhWwZY
— Timcast News (@TimcastNews) June 24, 2023
Gothamist reports, “In addition to the safe haven bill, Hochul also signed three new laws updating legal documents in the state previously containing ‘outdated and stigmatizing terminology’ in regards to sexual orientation and gender identity. Earlier this month, the governor also appointed the first openly trans male judge to the New York State of Claims.”
The governor signed an amendment to the State Technology Law mandating the use of “preferred pronouns” by New York State employees.
“I stand together with champions of this movement who have joined us today to say no more,” Hochul said in a speech about the bill signing. “We will give you the template, rest of the country. We will show you what you need to do.”
